Get a look at Tranquille corridor plans this week

Contributed/City of Kamloops

A proper sidewalk and multi-use path are in the plans for upgrades to Tranquille Road.

(JENNIFER STAHN /InfoTel Multimedia)

June 15, 2015 - 10:05 AM

KAMLOOPS - The Tranquille Road Beautification-Enhancement and Gateway Task Force was established by council early in 2014. The purpose of the task force was to make recommendations to council in regard to the beautification and enhancement of the Tranquille Gateway and to explore funding strategies and partnerships.

Concerns raised included a lack of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure-connectivity, overall street appeal, first impressions from the airport when entering the gateway into the city, safety for users along the corridor and adequate directional signage and ‘Welcome to Kamloops’ signage.

After months of reviewing design work and consulting with various groups and associations, the task force has developed a concept plan.

On Wednesday, June 17, the city will be hosting an open house at the Centre for Seniors Information in Brocklehurst Shopping Centre to share the resulting concept plan. Residents and business owners are encouraged to drop by any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view the plan. City staff and task force members will be available to answer any questions.

The proposed concept plan balances continuity of the design elements along the corridor, provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing design and ensures the overall costs are kept in check. The recommended concept plan from Airport Road to Evergreen Place is estimated at $7.4 million.

"This is a good project for the region, the city and the people of Brocklehurst," Steven Puhallo, Executive Director of the North Shore Business Association, said.

“The completion of this plan in light of other potential projects along the corridor will provide overall efficiencies and costs savings during implementation” Marvin Kwiatkowski, Development and Engineering Services Director with the City of Kamloops, said.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior